SOMBRERO BOOKS
Sombrero Books, Box 4, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1, Canada
Tel: (250) 245-0772 (office hours, M-F, 9-5 Pacific Standard Time)
Books in English - - - Libros en español
Lake Chapala Through the Ages; an anthology of travellers' tales
NEW!!!
By Tony Burton. (First edition, Sombrero Books, 2008)
Lake Chapala is no longer a paradise without a past.
Join award-winning author Tony Burton as he explores the fascinating history of the Lake Chapala region’s formative years—from the arrival of conquistadors in the early 1500s to the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
Insightful and entertaining commentary enhances this unique collection of extracts from more than fifty original sources.
Poets, friars, travellers, exiles and scientists overcome bandits and natural disasters to offer captivating tales of courage, greed, delight, unexpected triumphs and much, much more.
“Ambitious and encyclopaedic; well organized and engagingly presented” Richard Perry, Author and Publisher, www.colonial-mexico.com
“A must-read, full of little-known facts; a brilliant anthology that reveals Lake Chapala in a whole new light.” David McLaughlin, Publisher, Mexico Connect, www.mexconnect.com
Softcover, xiv+215 pages, with map, more than twenty original illustrations by Rosemary Chan, glossary, bibliographic references and index. Dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6
ISBN: 978-0-9735191-2-9 (List Price: $24.95) Introductory price, direct from publisher: $20.00 + shipping ($4 to Canadian addresses, $8 to US addresses)
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Western Mexico - A Traveller's Treasury
By Tony Burton. (Reprint of 3rd edition, Perception Press, 2001.)
This delightful, well-written book contains dozens of suggestions for daytrips and longer excursions in western Mexico. Burton avoids destinations on the beaten tourist track such as Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta or Morelia, to concentrate on lesser-known places. Eight original maps and charming pen and ink illustrations. Annotated bibliography and completely indexed.
Softcover, 201 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.7 x 5.95 x 0.6
ISBN: 1-893518-01-9 Price: $15.95 + shipping ($4 to Canadian addresses, $8 to US addresses)
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Lake Chapala Maps - 2008
By Tony Burton. (2008)
The definitive street plans of the major villages on Lake Chapala including: Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec, and their subdivisions, together with touring maps of the north and south shore, and a detailed regional map showing highways, tourist information and villages within day-trip range of Guadalajara and Chapala. Dimensions (in inches): Concertina folded to 8.0 (ht) x 4.4, unfolding to 8.0 (ht) x 35.0 (printed both sides).
Price: $9.00 (includes shipping to US or Canada)
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The Line - La Línea
NEW!!!
By Beldon Butterfield. (Ediciones de la Noche, 2007)
A novel: In the nether world of the Mexican drug trade, men and women on both sides of the border wage an ill-fated "war on drugs" against a formidable enemy in command of an army of ruthless killers with endless resources. Amid this amoral world of violence, a three way romance is forged between the striking and athletic DEA agent Fernanda Deering, the dashing but conniving Jaime Nuñez, a sub comandante in the PGR—Mexico's elite law enforcement agency— and George Redfield, a bon vivant bi-cultured Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
Born and raised in Argentina, Beldon Butterfield is a U.S.-educated author who came to Mexico with Time Inc. and now divides his time between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende.
Softcover, 444 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.25 x 5.5 x 1.0
ISBN: 978-1-60461-176-2 Price: $20.00 + shipping ($8 to Canadian or US addresses)
Review by Jim Tipton
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Drama & Diplomacy in a Sultry Mexican Beach Town
NEW!!!
By Jenny McGill. (McGill Books, 2007)
This book is based on incidents arising from Jenny McGill's time as Consular Agent for the U.S. State Department in Puerto Vallarta from the mid-seventies to the mid-nineties. It provides fascinating insights, some comic, others profoundly serious and even inspirational, into a vast array of topics. The chapter headings include: Mexican Lovers, Early Days in the Consular Agency, Foreign Service Manuals, Destitutes, Bureaucraps, Dos Morticians, Dames on My Path, Dirty Old Men, Pistol Packing, Gays in the Tropics, Dope, Disappearances. A fun read by a master story teller, who now resides in the mountain village of Talpa de Allende (Jalisco), the setting for her next book.
Softcover, 188 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 9.1 x 6.0 x 0.4
ISBN: 970-955-1-303 Price: $20.00 + shipping ($8 to Canadian or US addresses)
Review by Jim Tipton
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Mexico's Lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insiders Guide (enlarged 2nd edition)
By Teresa A. Kendrick. (Second edition: Mexico Travelers Information, 2005)
The second edition of this popular, extremely comprehensive and useful guide has arrived and is twice the size as the first edition. At 417 pages, with dozens of black and white photos, it's huge! It now covers all the villages along the Northshore of Lake Chapala including Jocotepec in full detail. Each copy of the second edition, as did the first, comes with a companion map of the area, adapted from Tony Burton's street maps (see elsewhere on this page). A detailed guide with dozens of black and white photos to this unique area of Mexico written by long-term residents. Thousands of useful listings; packed with practical insiders information. Expert contributions on natural history, cultural etiquette, medical care, accommodations, travel, money, shopping, art and much more, including a calendar of events, a mini Spanish primer and lists of things to do. "An amazing wealth of information" (Carl Franz, author of A People's Guide to Mexico).
Softcover, 417 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.4 x 5.3 x 1.1
ISBN: 0-9675248-3-0 Price: $25.95 + shipping. Regular shipping ($8.00) is by surface mail; please add $2.50 for airmail shipping.
More details / Review by Alan Cogan
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Lake Chapala (Espacios del Lago de Chapala)
By Carlos Valencia Pelayo (Editorial Agata, 1998)
This lavishly illustrated, large format coffee-table volume takes readers on a photographic tour around Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest natural lake. Covers 21 different localities and includes a bilingual introduction and notes on each place. This book is very hard to find and price includes shipping to addresses in Canada or the U.S.
Hard cover, with dust jacket. 207 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 12.1 x 10.3 x 0.9
ISBN 970-657-027-6 Price: $59.95
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Some Common and Interesting Plants of San Miguel de Allende / Algunas Plantas Comunes y Interesantes de San Miguel de Allende
By John and Anne Packer; Spanish translation by Manuel Lopez (Plant Press Publications, 1999)
This useful and authoritatitive bilingual field guide can be used anywhere in Mexico. It is particularly well-suited for visitors from the north who are encountering semitropical plants for the first time. The book describes some of the more common trees and shrubs, cacti and herbaceous perennials, as well as many of the colourful climbers that make Mexican towns such interesting places to visit.
As well as a technical description, general information is supplied telling whether the plant is introduced from Europe or elsewhere, and other details that make the plant memorable. Common and scientific names are provided for every entry. "Easy to use, well laid out, concise and well written" - Atencion San Miguel
Softcover, 120 pages; 52 colour photos. Dimensions (in inches): 9.0 x 6.0 x 0.3
ISBN: 0-9684769-0-2 Price: $13.00 + shipping ($4 to Canadian addresses, $8 to US addresses)
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Exploring Colonial Oaxaca - The Art and Architecture
By Richard D. Perry, Espadaña Press, 2006.)
From the baroque temples of the city of Oaxaca to the glistening domed chapels that grace even the smallest village, the colonial churches of Oaxaca and their treasures are a source of pleasure and surprise to travelers.
This new book, by specialist author and illustrator Richard Perry is here to guide you - the first book to describe these splendid buildings especially for the art traveler. The guide is divided into three chapters: the city of Oaxaca; the central valley; the mountainous Mixteca Alta region.
Perry's detailed line drawings enhance his knowledgeable text, and a 40-page color section showcases outstanding photographs by Felipe Falcón. With maps, plans, glossary and index, this book is indispensable for the Mexico aficionado!
Softcover, 224 pages (40 in full color). Dimensions (in inches): 8.7 x 5.95 x 0.6
ISBN: 0-9785989-0-3 Price: $25.00 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Paricutín, 50 years after its birth
Simón Lázaro Jiménez (Editorial Agata, 1994)
On February 20, 1943, Paricutín Volcano erupted in a farmer's cornfield in Michoacán. Simón Lázaro Jiménez, now a carpenter by trade, was just a young boy. Here, for the first time, an indigenous Purepecha Indian relives, in vivid and entertaining prose, his first-hand experiences on that fateful day and during the months that followed. Simple maps and 16 previously unpublished photos, including several by acclaimed photographer Walter Reuter. (Translation by Tony Burton)
Softcover, 51 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.125
ISBN: 968-7310-21-0 Price: $6.95 + shipping ($4 to Canadian addresses, $8 to US addresses)
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Please note:
All proceeds from the following 3 books, by Dane Chandos, go to an educational scholarship program for young people living in the village of San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Village In The Sun
By Dane Chandos (reprint by Tlayacapan Press, 1998)
In the early 1940s, an Englishman decided to settle in a small village on Lake Chapala. This is a most welcome reprint of the much sought-after, highly entertaining account of his adventures during his first year in Mexico. As he builds his home, Chandos absorbs local customs while bonding with a colorful cast of characters. A delightful book!
Softcover, 259 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.3 x 5.45 x 0.6
Price: $12.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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House In The Sun
By Dane Chandos (reprint by Tlayacapan Press, 1999)
Classic account of how an expatriate Englishman built his home in a Lake Chapala village fifty years ago. For more than 40 years, Chandos made his home in San Antonio Tlayacapan, “a magical place where anything can happen-and frequently does”.
Softcover, 246 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.3 x 5.45 x 0.6
Price: $12.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
More details / Reviews / Sample Chapter: "Pilgrimage"
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Calendaria's Cook Book
By Dane Chandos (Tlayacapan Press, 1997)
An unusual, bilingual book offering 50 recipes, supported by wonderful anecdotes. The recipes were “invented” by Dane Chandos’ cook, Candelaria. Who can fail to be charmed by such original culinary masterpieces as “Pork Bone that will Spot your Tablecloth” or “Bananas as I Arrange Them for Guests of the Last Minute”?
Softcover, 105 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 8.75 x 0.3
Price: $9.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Juan Rulfo and The South of Jalisco
By Wolfgang Vogt. (Editorial Agata, 1995)
The southern part of Jalisco, only a few hours' drive from Lake Chapala, epitomizes many people's idea of the "real Mexico". This extended essay on the work of Juan Rulfo, one of Mexico's most famous novelists, examines how his writing is a superb example of the school of regional literature. Rulfo was also an accomplished photographer and the book includes 32 of his black & white photos and a bibliography.
Softcover, 81 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.25
ISBN 968-7310-56-1 Price: $6.95 + shipping ($4 to Canadian addresses, $8 to US addresses)
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A Drink Named Tequila
By José María Muria and Ricardo Sánchez. (Ed.Agata, 1996)
All genuine tequila comes (by law) from within a limited region of Western Mexico, centered on the small town of Tequila, an hour's drive west of Guadalajara. Beautifully illustrated with 32 color plates, this publication traces the mystery of Tequila the drink from its historical beginnings to today's modern production techniques. This book provides a unique insight into Mexico's national drink.
Softcover, 81 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.6 x 8.6 x 0.3
ISBN 968-7310-79-0 Price: $14.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Blue Lakes and Silver Cities
By Richard D. Perry. (Espadaña Press, 1997.)
An engagingly written, highly informative, large format account of the most outstanding colonial architecture and treasures of West Mexico. The book is superbly illustrated with over 200 original line drawings by the author. This is Perry's fourth book in a series capturing the unique quality of Mexico's colonial architecture, and the best yet! "Well written with a readable style appropriate for the layman but with something of interest for those who may be more knowledgeable" (Latin American Antiquity).
Softcover, 272 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 11 x 8.5 x 0.7
ISBN: 0-9620811-3-2 Price: $25.00 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Head for Mexico: The Renegade Guide
By Don Adams. (Trafford, 2003)
A must-read for anyone considering moving or retiring to Mexico. Full of practical tips about every aspect of changing country and changing culture, from real estate to vehicles, from shopping to medical care. Not only is this a wonderfully informative book, it is also a fun read, liberally spiced with Don Adam's own experiences and humorous anecdotes.
Softcover, 351 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 9.0 x 7.0 x 0.8
ISBN 1-55369-562-3 Price: $23.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Midlife Mavericks - Women reinventing their lives in Mexico
By Karen Blue. (Universal Publishers, 2000)
Leaving everything familiar behind and moving to another country is a difficult decision at any age. Share, through the pages of this book, some of the real-life anxieties, hardships, adventures and rewards of nineteen single women, ages 40 to 81, who decided to change their lives by moving to the beautiful environs of Ajijic and Lake Chapala in Mexico. But, be careful - the down-to-earth writing in this book "will lure reticent readers from their lukewarm existences into lives of discovery and purpose" (Marilyn Davis, author of Mexican Voices, American Dreams). "This is a must read for anyone considering moving to this Americanized part of Mexico" (Ann Brandt, author of Crowfoot Ridge).
Softcover, 200 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 0.5 x 8.6 x 5.6
ISBN: 1-58112-719-7. Price: $19.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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A House Far South in Mexico
By Elaine Dandh. (Perception Press 2000)
Loosely modeled on the best-selling Year in Provence, this is a blow-by-blow account, from the perspective of the woman of the house, of one couple's adjustment to moving to Mexico to live.
Softcover, 271 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6
ISBN 1-893518-000-0 Price: $19.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Week With No Friday
By Willard Marsh. (AV, cerca 2000)
A limited edition modern reprint of a novel set in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, that was originally published in **. The story takes place during the 1950's when this small lakeside village was undergoing many significant changes in lifestyle due to the growing preence of the foreign community, composed mostly of Americansand Canadians who were moving to the Lake Chapala region to retire. The main character, Warner, is a troubled playwright who moved to Mexico in order to write and put his life in order, but fails utterly in his attempt. His life and problems become increasingly complex, until they reach the point where they might only be solved "in a week with no Friday", as the local legend says. Only one copy of this book is available - first come, first served!
Softcover, 208 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4
Price: $15.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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La Fiesta de San Andrés (The Fiesta of San Andrés) - Visual History
(Editorial Agata, SCJ, Conaculta, 2003)
Text is in Spanish, but an appendix includes a full translation of all the text and photo captions. Unusual and rare book about how one of Mexico's oldest peoples the Wixarika or Huichol celebrate the Fiesta of San Andrés. Writtena dn photographed by anthropologist Kalman N.uller, who grew up in this community and has remained in close contact with it all his life. Fascinating glimpse into the Wixarika, told at the request of Rosalío Rivera Sánchez "Chalío", to ensure that the world knows about his people.
Softcover, 78 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 10.7 x 8.0 x 0.25
ISBN: 970-657-122-1 Price: $14.95 + shipping ($8 to US or Canadian addresses)
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Hard-to-find, high quality books on other regions of Mexico:
The Tarahumar of Mexico - Their Environment and Material Culture
By Campbell Pennington. (Reprint of 1963 edition, Editorial Agata, 1996.)
This is a reprint of one of the classic works on the culture and lifestyle of North America's largest surviving native tribe: the Tarahumar who live in the Copper Canyon region in northern Mexico. The book includes 33 black & white plates, 12 new color plates & 4 fold-out maps. Royalties from this edition help fund the work of the Tarahumar Mission in Creel.
Softcover, 267 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 8.6 x 5.75 x 0.6
ISBN 968-7310-82-0 Price: $19.95 + shipping
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Exploring Yucatan: A Traveler's Anthology
selected and edited by Richard D. Perry (Espadaña Press, 2001
For centuries, explorers, adventurers, artists, naturalists and archeologists have recorded their experiences of work and travel in Yucatan. Their vivid memoirs give us historic insights into the attitudes of the past, document how conditions have changed over time, and help to illuminate the present in this exotic tropical region of Mayan Mexico. Now, a broad and varied selection of these classic writings have been excerpted and collected in one volume to entertain and enlighten today's traveler to Yucatan. The selections include all the major Mayan sites and regions of the Yucatan peninsula, from Campeche on the Gulf coast to Tulum on the Caribbean coast. The narratives are accompanied by numerous historical and new illustrations, maps, a glossary and full index. Essential reading for anyone traveling the Ruta Maya.
Softcover, 318 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 9 x 6 x 0.9
ISBN: 0-9620811-4-0 Price: $20.00 + shipping
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Maya Missions : Exploring Colonial Yucatán
By Richard D. Perry. (Espadaña Press, 2006.)
Completely updated, comprehensive NEW edition of a favorite illustrated guidebook to colonial Yucatán. Includes new discoveries, and recent restorations across the peninsula. Created with the traveler in mind. Five revised itineraries cover the entire peninsula. Generously illustrated with detailed line drawings. Includes glossary, bibliography and full index.
Softcover - 256 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.35
ISBN: 0-9620811-9-1 Price: $20.00 + shipping
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More Maya Missions : Exploring Colonial Chiapas
By Richard D. Perry. (Espadaña Press, 1995.)
This book will intrigue all travelers along the scenic and historic Maya Route (Ruta Maya) in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. Three easy-to-follow itineraries take you to all the principal monuments of the region, from cathedrals and ornate parish churches to fortress-like monasteries and simple rural missions. Illustrated with original line drawings and maps. Includes a bibliography and full index.
Softcover - 128 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.35
ISBN: 0-9620811-2-4 Price: $15.00 + shipping
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Mexico's Fortress Monasteries
By Richard Perry (Espadaña Press, 1993.)
This illustrated guide describes over sixty of the colonial monasteries built by missionaries in central Mexico and Oaxaca during the 16th century, after the Spanish Conquest. Many of them are architectural masterpieces. Most of them house extraordinary artistic treasures, whether in the form of murals, paintings, fonts or alterpieces. Very few of them have ever been so adequately described in English. Anyone interested in the history of Mexico's colonial period, or interested in the country's art and architecture, will enjoy reading this book, even if they are unable to visit first-hand all the places described. The book's value as a reference source is enhanced by dozens of original line drawings, maps and plans, as well as a useful glossary, extensive bibliography and complete index.
Softcover, 223 pages. Dimensions (in inches): 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.6
ISBN: 0-9620811-1-6 Price: $20.00 + shipping
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